Which place is cheaper, Isla de Ometepe or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montego Bay and Isla de Ometepe can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe?
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
Isla de Ometepe
Ometepe is a dramatically beautiful island in Lake Nicaragua in the country of Nicaragua. The island is the largest in the lake and is formed by two dramatic twin volcanoes that climb high from the water's surface. The two volcanoes are Concepcion and Maderas, and they are joined by an isthmus to make one island with an area of 276 square kilometers. The island is 31 kilometers long and between 5 and 10 kilometers wide. There are several small settlements on the island as well as a few coffee plantations. It is also one of the top sights in the country and makes for a unique travel destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $200Isla de Ometepe $34
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $200, while the average daily cost in Isla de Ometepe is $34. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montego Bay and Isla de Ometepe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $102Isla de Ometepe $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $204Isla de Ometepe $26
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Isla de Ometepe
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Isla de Ometepe $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Shared Transfer: From/to Montego Bay International Airport: $8.33
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Airport to Hotels in MontegoBay: $10
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer: RIU Resorts Montego Bay: $10
- Private Airport Transfer to Hotels: $10
- Private Airport Transfer from MBJ to RIU Montego Bay & Reggae: $13
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer : $13
- MBJ Airport: Private Transfer to Montego Bay: $14
- RIU Reggae Palace and RIU Montego Bay Private Airport Transfer: $14
- Private Airport Transfer to Trelwany Hotels in Jamaica : $15
- Private Airport Round Trip Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels : $15
- Private Airport Transfer from MBJ to RIU Palace Jamaica: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe?
Prices for flights to both Isla de Ometepe and Montego Bay change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMontego Bay $82Isla de Ometepe $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $45
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Private Rick Cafe Cliff Diving and Sunset Dinner Tour : $100
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $149
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $157
- Sunset Boat Cruise in Falmouth Luminous Lagoon, Swim and Dinner : $170
- Montego Bay Dinner and Nightlife Experience : $180
- Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience : $180
- Private Seafood Tour and Floyds Pelican Bar or Black River Safari: $185
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
- Private Martha Brae Raft and Luminous Lagoon Tour with Dinner: $270
- Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting & Luminous Lagoon Sunset, Swim& Dinner: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Isla de Ometepe $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.69
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Shopping Tour for Whitter Village Mall Private / Charted Air Conditioned Taxi: $20
- Greenwood Great House Entry Ticket: $20
- Cinnamon Hill Great House Tour - Home of Johnny Cash: $23
- Jet ski tour from montegobay: $28
- Private Tour Souvenir Shopping in Montego Bay : $30
- Montego Bay Private Shopping Tour with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Skip the Line: Rose Hall Great House & Garden Tour Ticket: $30
- Montego Bay City Tour: $30
- Rose Hall Great House Haunted Night Tour: $35
- Club Mobay VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Bamboo Rafting, Hip-Strip & Margaritaville Tour from Montego Bay: $40
- Hip-strip Shopping and Great River Rafting Private Tour: $40
Tours and Activities in Isla de Ometepe
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Isla de Ometepe are as follows:
- A great tour day for the ISLAND OF OMETEPE.: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Isla de Ometepe $8.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Isla de Ometepe, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Isla de Ometepe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Isla de Ometepe is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Isla de Ometepe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Isla de Ometepe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in Isla de Ometepe.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montego Bay Expensive? and Is Isla de Ometepe Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe in the Summer?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Isla de Ometepe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. In July, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during summer. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe in the Autumn?
Both Isla de Ometepe and Montego Bay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Isla de Ometepe year-round.
Isla de Ometepe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in October than Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 195 hours of full sun.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Isla de Ometepe 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Isla de Ometepe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Isla de Ometepe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Isla de Ometepe this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives less sunshine than Isla de Ometepe during winter. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Isla de Ometepe receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Isla de Ometepe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Isla de Ometepe averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Isla de Ometepe 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Isla de Ometepe in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Isla de Ometepe throughout the year.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in April than Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Isla de Ometepe receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Isla de Ometepe. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the spring, Montego Bay often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Isla de Ometepe. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isla de Ometepe receives 242 hours of full sun.
In April, Montego Bay is generally cooler than Isla de Ometepe. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Isla de Ometepe fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Isla de Ometepe 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Isla de Ometepe and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Isla de Ometepe | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.